This week, the groundhog saw his shadow, and we expect 6 more weeks of an unfortunately partisan push to retreat on climate action and undo the good work of the legislature over the past 4 years. If successful, these efforts will leave Vermonters economically exposed, tied to expensive, imported fossil fuels – all while there are cleaner, more affordable solutions at our fingertips.
It’s been a dizzying week for efforts to roll back our climate laws. On the heels of back-to-back testimony on bills attempting to repeal or gut key climate policies, including retreating on Vermont’s foundational Global Warming Solutions Act, the House introduced another repeal bill, H. 159. The bill doesn’t just try to undo the Vermont Renewable Energy Standard modernization changes from last year; rather aims to end the Renewable Energy Standard altogether. This extreme approach would de-incentivize new renewable energy and doesn’t guarantee lower electric rates for Vermonters. It’s clear we will need to work hard to reject H. 159 and any other attempt to weaken or repeal the Vermont Renewable Energy Standard.
Today’s episode
On today’s episode, we talk with Representative Kathleen James (D-Manchester), the new chair of the newly formed House Energy & Digital Infrastructure committee. Rep. James shares her approach to the new committee’s work and what she hopes to accomplish this year.
Call to Action
Now is a crucial time to let your legislators know that we must continue to make progress on climate solutions and we cannot roll back on the hard-won legislation of the past 4 years. Call your representative today and let them know that you support them in voting to defend the Global Warming Solutions Act, Renewable Energy Standard, and the Climate Superfund Act. These laws are the backbone to ensuring that Vermont meets the climate crisis head-on and that all Vermonters can afford to be part of the clean energy transition.
Thank you for ALL you do,
Johanna Miller & Dan Fingas
Vermont Natural Resources Council
Vermont Conservation Voters